Superconducting winding and support structure

Abstract

Composite superconducting windings of the type that have superconductor wires wound with glass cloth, an array of axial insulated copper wires, copper foil straps of expanded metal or perforated foil which are positioned between winding layers to reinforce the composite winding and enhance the thermal conductivity of the winding, and an overwrap of high strength stainless steel wires to provide additional rigidity to the composite winding. Structures of this type, generally, form a self-supported, structurally robust composite winding and support structure that is capable of withstanding the hoop and axial stresses that result from the electromagnetic loads created by the superconductor.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A superconducting winding and demountable coil form for a superconducting winding, wherein said winding is comprised of: a coil form;   at least two superconductors wound substantially on said coil form and located at a predetermined distance away from each other;   an insulation material located substantially between said superconductors;   an array of axial metal straps located substantially within said insulation material;   an overwrap wire substantially surrounding said superconductive winding, insulation and said array; and   an epoxy-like material which substantially surrounds said superconductor, said insulation material, said array, and said overwrap wire.   
     
     
       2. The winding and demountable coil form of claim 1, wherein said demountable coil form means is further comprised of: a mandrel; and   a mandrel support means operatively connected to said mandrel.   
     
     
       3. The winding and demountable coil form of claim 2, wherein said mandrel support means is further comprised of: a mandrel bracket means; and   a sealing means located adjacent to said mandrel bracket means.   
     
     
       4. The winding and demountable coil form of claim 3, wherein said mandrel bracket means is further comprised of: an epoxy introduction means.   
     
     
       5. The winding and demountable coil form of claim 1, wherein said insulation material is further comprised of: a glass-like material.   
     
     
       6. The winding and demountable coil form of claim 1, wherein said array is further comprised of: expanded copper foil straps.   
     
     
       7. The winding and demountable coil form of claim 1, wherein said array is further comprised of: insulated copper wires.   
     
     
       8. The winding and demountable coil form, as in claim 1, wherein said overwrap wire is further comprised of: a high strength stainless steel wire.   
     
     
       9. A method for producing a superconductive winding having a superconductor, an insulation material, an array of axial metal straps, an overwrap wire and an epoxy-like material, a support mandrel and an impregnation pan wherein said method is comprised of the steps of: wrapping said superconductor around said mandrel;   wrapping said insulation substantially on top of said superconductor;   wrapping said array substantially on top of said insulation;   wrapping said overwrap wire substantially on top of said superconductive winding;   placing said impregnation pan substantially on top of said overwrap wire;   introducing said epoxy-like material onto said superconductor, said insulation, said array and said overwrap wire; and   removing said support mandrel and said pan.